Early in the morning of December 4, we rode the jeepney from Tinglayan to Bontoc (Php 20.00). We had breakfast at the hotel and I paid Php 105.00 for my food and coffee. There, we also got the chance to charge our phones and camera batteries and, while at it, encountered the creepy man of Bontoc.

Vigan, a small town 203.1 km away from Sagada, is a wonder. This is the most charming city of Philippines due to the rustic old architecture influenced by Spanish colonization. The Spanish captured and settled in Vigan in 1572, and it soon became a centre of Spanish political and religious power in the north of Luzon. The Mestizo District offers a peek into the Philippines' colonial past. The ancestral houses were mostly built by blending local, Asian and Spanish architectural styles. The old houses and cobblestone streets are not something you get to see each day. The horse carriages add to the feeling of being transferred to an old era in time. You can learn to mold pots or visit St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral, an earthquake baroque styled cathedral. As the name suggests, the design is intended to minimize earthquake damage. You can also see Plaza Salcedo, some city buildings and beautiful fountain in this area.

This was by far one of the scariest thing that we’ve ever done (besides doing the bungy in New Zealand)! It was scary maybe because there were very limited measures taken to ensure one’s safety. As it was a real cave with lots of bats living inside it, the ground was mostly moist and slippery. Plus we were only wearing flip flops! But besides all that, it was really very exciting! It felt like an underwater theme park! There were times when we had to swing like Tarzan from rock to rock using a rope, wade through chest-deep waters (with no idea what funny creatures that could be living in the water) and cliff jumped. All these were done without any harnesses! One slip and that’s it…..

Sagada is 62.1 km away from Banaue. This is the perfect destination in Philippines for relaxing and spending some time surrounded by the serene mountains. The most popular thing to see here are the hanging coffins. They couldn't get more literal. The coffins are hanging by the cliff. It is a unique ancient funeral custom of some minority groups and is even found in southern China. The coffins hang 20-50 feet high and are made of wood. According to Igorot tradition, only those people who died of natural death are allowed to be buried in the cliff. It is intriguing to know how they put the coffins on the cliffs. You can take the very steep path down the cliff to view the coffins up close and personal. Be sure before you start the hike as this doesn't qualify as an attractive activity for many. As this traditional burial ritual is not followed anymore, it makes for a historical site of the once practiced tradition.
Travel Tip - I would recommend you hire a guide to hear about the history of this place and to reach here safely.